The University of St. Francis is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination. Specifically, every member of the University community should be aware that St. Francis is strongly opposed to discrimination, including sexual harassment, and that such behavior is prohibited by university policy. It is the intention of the university to take whatever action may be necessary to prevent, correct, and, if necessary, discipline for behavior which violates this policy.

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) is federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault.

While it is often thought of as a law that applies to athletics programs, Title IX is much broader than Athletics and applies to all programs at St. Francis. While compliance with the law is everyone’s responsibility at St. Francis, listed below are the staff members who have primary responsibility for Title IX compliance.

The Office of Institutional Diversity in partnership with the Office of Human Resources is charged with monitoring the university’s compliance with federal, state and institutional polices that promote a non-discriminatory and harassment-free environment. This includes discrimination based on sex, covered under Title IX. The Director of Institutional Diversity is the designated Title IX Coordinator.

The Title IX Coordinator has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the Title IX program at the University of St. Francis. The Coordinator oversees the administration of grievance procedures for students, faculty and staff. The Title IX Coordinator also develops training, education and communication of all College discrimination and harassment policies.

Title IX Coordinator

Allison Heard
Director of Institutional Diversity, Title IX Coordinator
University of St. Francis
Motherhouse, C229
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
815-740-5025
aheard@stfrancis.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Molly Knapczyk
Assistant Director of Human Resources, Title IX Deputy Coordinator
University of St. Francis
St. Clare Campus, Room 221
1550 Plainfield Rd.
Joliet, IL 60435
815-740-5076
mknapczyk@stfrancis.edu

Cara Currier
Assistant Director of Athletics, Title IX Deputy Coordinator
University of St. Francis
Pat Sullivan Recreation Center, 2nd floor
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
815-740-3407
ccurrier@stfrancis.edu

Gender Equity in Athletics

If you have a complaint about gender equity in St. Francis athletics programs, you should contact the Assistant Director of Athletics, Cara Currier (please see above), who is responsible for Title IX Compliance in matters related to gender equity in St. Francis athletics programs. Cara Currier can be located at the address listed above, by email at ccurrier@stfrancis.edu, or by telephone at 815-740-3407.